Adult tricycles are a wonderful option for people wanting to enjoy the fun and freedom of riding a bicycle but don't have the confidence or balance necessary to ride a two-wheeler.  Tricycles also offer urban riders plenty of cargo space for groceries and other bulky items, in the form of large front and rear baskets - a variety of carriers are available as aftermarket attachments.

Tricycles are great for cyclists with mobility and fitness issues, such as the elderly.  The step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting easy and stable since the rider doesn't need to throw a leg over a tall top tube while trying to balance on the other leg.  The rider's position on a traditional tricycle is fully upright for comfort and stability.   Handlebars tend to be quite high, to allow for an upright position.  Saddles are wide and many have spring suspension.  Trikes are all about cruiser comfort, convenience and fun!  Upright adult tricycles are not meant for steep, hilly areas, and they are not very maneuverable.  Their stability and cargo capacity, however, make up for that lack of nimble speed!

For riders wanting more performance, semi-recumbent and recumbent tricycles have most of the aerodynamic benefit of a two-wheeled recumbent but offer much more stability.  Recumbents place the rider well behind the pedals and very low to the ground.  The rider sits in a chair-style seat (rather than being perched on a saddle).  Recumbents are popular with riders with back or hand pain.  Two-wheeled recumbents can be very tricky to balance at slow speeds.  Not so with recumbent tricycles, which are confidence-inspiring, fast and fun.  Although recumbents are slow on climbs, they can be rockets going downhill!

Some tricycles are single speed, some geared, and some are even power assisted, to make climbing hills easier.   Most power-assisted trikes have electric motors.  A few are gas, and claim gas mileage estimates of approximately 200 miles per gallon!  Conversion kits are available that turn regular pedal trikes into electric motor-assisted trikes.

Different styles of tricycles include those with two rear wheels and one in front, and those with two front wheels and one in back; trikes are available with  20", 24" and 26" wheels depending on the style and intended use.